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Thursday, 6 November 2014

Pheromone - November - 12 Track Album - Xperiment XIII - Taurant Services - Released 1st November 2014

Pheromone
November
12 Track Album
Xperiment XIII
Taurant Services
Released 1st November 2014

Exciting new album out now!

Pheromone – Саранск, респ. Мордовия Russia

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/pheromone

Order it at a reduced introductory price from Xperiment XIII label: http://xperimentxiii.bandcamp.com/album/november

Genre: Industrial Rock / Electronic / Glitch

Biography:
“Pheromone have been creating music together for close on five years since forming on 10th February 2009. Dissecting music genres they enjoy and incorporated all these elements into their music, what you get is a sound that is both familiar yet very much their own. A fusion that they have worked hard on sharpening.

The mighty Pheromone

Having spent those five years learning; sometimes from scratch; new techniques and upgrading instruments and software to facilitate their strengthening talents. They have worked extremely hard on developing their music so that its quality is the best it can be.

With their latest release, November, there are guitar solos and real thumping bass guitar; Crunchy rhythm guitar and synth landscapes. Its hard rock with an electronic heart, or, electronic with a rebels heart. Either way you decide to "pigeon hole", it's a ride that is well worth taking from start to finish; a journey to appreciate.

The band is proud of what they have achieved on the album "November" and look forward to their fans re-actions to the album!”


Deimos

Imprinting
The rambunctious flanks of rhythm begin their creative magnitude and just as you start to feel the anticipation growing the track comes to its brisk demise. But it sure whets the appetite for wanting to hear more!

Mantra of Fearless
So sharp are the endless jagged notes that scurry about to form an increasingly brutal and savage potency which stirs the emotions in blistering fashion. Bubbling ferociously, with a melodic core it runs through-out its entirety with superb effects on the harsh vocal growls in glitch form - this is something you can really move to!

This Confrontation
Agitated rhythms and notes slip and slide to another rampageous breath.  It moves in a predatory stance, scouring its depths as well as soaring to thunderous heights – its attention grabbing and kind of smacks you in the face with a caustic twist of malevolence. Edgy and forthright!

Dreams, Venom and Tears
The arrogant and bold rhythms are infectious, spiced with a potent embrace that is fueled with dark ambiance. The alluring swagger mesmerises and has you hanging off every note!

Dark Horse
The unique blend of sultry and thunderous meet head on in a fueled passionate affair. It sucks you into its deep layers of melodic embrace and is a trigger that sparks a rugged intensity.

Blackout
A slow lustful encounter, slides along a bed of powerful hazy tones and nestles into the ears. Lingering with a feisty rhythmic pulses, and bristles with a dramatic, magnetic pull.

In Your Eyes (Feat Obsidian FX)
Harbouring a deep and riveting persuasion, it climbs to a mesmerising vantage point and hits you with gruff hearty glitching effects. The riffs twist and turn in a circular motion as the beats hit hard and bold.

The Royal Ceremony (Interlude)
On hostile icy terrain the cold drops of haunting melodies swiftly take hold. Capturing pulsating deep beats the rhythmic mischievousness continues. It definitely harvests a regal entrance of sheer elegance on this, an instrumental goody.

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“It cocoons you in deep vibrant swathes of rhythm that you can almost wear like a coat that warms as it surrounds you!”
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Listen To Aftershock
Hungry for attention this track opens with a concoction of squally notes and tempered rhythms that merge feistily with a super throaty gargling of vocal. Its landscape sizzles with adrenalin as the psychotic tumultuousness fires its rapturous rhythms that are hearty and addictive.

Bloodstone
Clanks into action with jagged notes and powerful rhythms that are backed up with a ferocious vocal slant. So deep the sound it cuts you in half and hosts gnawing, niggling beats that can’t go unnoticed. It literally mauls the senses!

Seems Like
The anticipation is well worth waiting for as the thunderous beats encounter the ears with a magnetic force, expelling a raw seduction that is framed with rhythmic snarls and seething vocal edge that festers.

Lost Memories (Outro)
I am seriously hoping this track lasts a bit longer than the intro! This pulsates and broods with ambiance and passion. The rumbles and grumbles building, sending a chilling flurry of notes cascading down the spine and electric shocks that cause goose bumps to form on the body! Great way to finish a superb album!

Summary:
An extremely intense and powerful album to be had. It literally reaches the places that haven’t been reached in a long time! Sending the senses into panic mode at what they are witnessing.  The twists and turns coil like a snake and are then pulverised with a quickening cacophony of rhythms that haunt, tease and seduce.

It really satisfies the hunger and leaves you feeling stuffed to the gills but with a rewarding aftermath, as the rich and promising notes go all-out to provide gripping and intense imagination and awaken the soul with a breath of fresh air!

Coaxing with superb ambiance that feeds the body and it responds positively to the electronic vibrancy and unrestrained melodies contained within its strong sinews.

It cocoons you in deep vibrant swathes of rhythm that you can almost wear like a coat that warms as it surrounds you!

It’s certainly one album that deserves a place in your affections and of course your CD collections.

Well produced and superbly executed, it is a heavy footed industrial stomp in the right direction - not a dull moment to be had, just twelve tracks of sheer genius and creativity!

“Please Sir Can I have some more?”

10/10

Track List:
Imprinting
Mantra of Fearless
This Confrontation
Dreams, Venom and Tears
Dark Horse
Blackout
In Your Eyes (Feat Obsidian FX)
The Royal Ceremony (Interlude)
Listen To Aftershock
Bloodstone
Seems Like
Lost Memories (Outro)

Members:
D.Fox – Vocals/Electronics
Deimos – Guitars/Percussion
Cassidy – Guitars/Percussion
Shane – Bass



Wednesday, 5 November 2014

Throne of Malediction - Out of Darkness comes light - 13 Track Album - Victory by Fire Records/Misantrof AntiRecords - Released 30th April 2013

Throne of Malediction
Out of Darkness comes light
13 Track Album
Victory by Fire Records/Misantrof AntiRecords
Released 30th April 2013

Superb Album!

Written for Blackened Horde Zine

Throne of Malediction – California, USA

Links:

Discography:
~ Self released cassette under Sonic Demise name/April 2008
~ "E.P-1" /self-released demo CD-R album/Feb 2009
~ Full Length Debut, "Ceremonial Blood" /Victory by Fire Records/ July 2011
~ "Rites" /self-released E.P split with Irreverent Soul/October 2012
~ Second full length, "Out of Darkness, Comes light"/Torn Flesh Records/April 2013

Compilations and collaborations:
~ "Downtown Metal 5 Compilation" /Quickstar Productions June 2009
~ "Holy Fucking Anti-Christmas Compilation" /Misantrof Antirecords Dec 2009
~ "Irreverent Soul self-titled E.P" (side project) /Satanica Records Jan 2010
~ "Most Unholy Convergence Compilation" /Satanica Records June 2010
~ Flamecult Records Presents: The Underground Alliance Vol 1 November 2010
~ Beltane "Brown Metal"/collaborative song "All Hail Bazalgette"Satanica Records 201
~ "Black Metal Agenda" #6 compilation" /BMA Norway August 2010
~ "Black Metal Agenda" Vol 10 Tribute Edition comp" /BMA Norway September 2010
~ Torn Flesh Records "Selective Mutism" compilation December 2011
~ "Holy Fucking Anti-Christmas Compilation" /Misantrof Antirecords Dec 2011
~ "Most Unholy Convergence Compilation 2" /Satanica Records April 2012

Genre: Blackened Doom Metal

Biography:
We are a blackened doom band from Montana, USA. Relocated in 2012 to California, USA... Our tempestuous existence permeates our sound. Led by duo Eric and Jessica Horner...

Throne of Malediction was formed in late 2006 under the name Sonic Demise, with Eric "Godawful" Horner (vocals, guitar) & Jessica Horner (vocals, guitar, keys) as the core members. Throne of Malediction has a wide range of sound that is all based in black metal principles and doom. Lyrics are written about fantasy and personal experiences.

Throne of Malediction released a limited print E.P called E.P-1 and played many shows in the northwest USA from 2007 to 2011. Throne of Malediction are still continuing to write new material and released their debut album "Ceremonial Blood" through Victory by Fire Records in July 2011. The second album, "Out of Darkness, Comes Light" was released on April 30th, 2013 for free download at Torn Flesh Netlabel. Continuing to record new songs with guest artists, Throne of Malediction will live on and plan more albums... Eric and Jessica also worked on a side band, Irreverent Soul, which released an E.P through Satanica Records in January 2010...

"Like so many other black and doom metal bands in the United States, this is another one that goes under the radar but should not. This is enjoyable for anyone who likes doom metal or black metal. Do not miss this band, you will thank yourself for it."

Burden of Ages
The strenuous sinews lock and engage as they wind and bind the senses like a snake. The throaty vocal allures and tempts with a certain blackness that invades the aural and hits with hammer brutality. Evil oozes from this track like blood from a gaping wound.

Born of Innocence
Corrupting the senses in true black metal style. The gargling vocal is menacing and squalid. Its eerie haunting inflames the eagerness to lap up the dark melee that unfolds around you. Jessica’s vocal is nonchalant and hap hazard as the sound grows more intense – this is the visit from Hell of which there is no return. A contagious track!

Video by Eric Horner

Day of Lies
Squalid and haunting the eeriness continues, the vocals are severe and uncompromising.  The anticipation the music gives out is malevolent and dramatic, however it engages with riveting caustic venom!

Dead Memories
The sounds plague this track, the wind, the riffs, the jangling. However the vocal suddenly turns clean which is a surprise – so unpredictable as well! It is a meandering track that although not my favourite still holds extraordinary moments.

Everything’s going cold
This broods with a hypnotic tendency! It is dark and emotive and the gnarly vehement growls are back! It shovels torrents of intense urgency on to the proceedings marked with antagonistic bass.

Farther Down
Doom laden and filled with malice. The clean vocal is back in a monotone drawl, but the surprise is it suddenly ignites into a blasting scream of malevolence – superb! The chilling tempered vocal from Jess adds a powerful depth to its already fevered structure. – Great track indeed!

In the Bleeding
If Satan could make music this would be the track he would choose! Straight from the bowels of Hell! The twisting rhythm chokes and perpetuates the feeling of doom and gloom, helped along by the chilling ambiance from Jess and the gnarly gargles of vocal from Eric.

Not meant for me
A mesmerising and solid encounter that drips with doom infested slurry. If black could be any darker eh?  There are some uplifting moments when the riffs lift their head from the gloom. A very atmospheric structure that holds intrigue a plenty and a great rhythm.

Shadow Mass
The wind blows hard, the eerie haunting synth sets the scene as the track unfolds. Not so much sung as spoken in a semi gloom, but it is powerful and engaging, the ambiance unwavering.

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“This album does not send you on a downward spiral because you are already visiting the darkest recesses of the underworld and so it allows you the freedom to explore its magic of which you are indeed a part of!”
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Syncretism VI Black Salvation Bonus Track
A track that will have you close your eyes and literally transport yourself into it. Living out each riff and squally rhythm like an actor in a horror movie, the scare just around the corner. Painting its own patterns of anticipation in slabs of demonic uncertainty – it prowls with the intent to harm. – Amazing!

The Soulforge
The slower ribs of doom twist in a kind of animated effect. Drifting to no conclusion as it dwells in its own festering mass of darkness, the gloomy hooks are breath-taking and addictive.

What will never be – Bonus Track
Satan speaks! As the shrill riffs play out in a repetitive run – this unusual track bristles with a demonic intensity – it is all part of the plan to seduce and draw you into the mesmerising and evil that surrounds you.

Without the Sun
I can’t believe this is the final track on this album. Time certainly stands still when you are utterly engrossed as the band pull a veil over their evil reign of repugnance.

Summary:
Just the album to listen to for Halloween – considering it is dark and doom laden there is a lot of raucous moments trapped within the bands compositions and there for you to enjoy when you press play and unleash the demonic slice of Hell.

The swirling ambiance is torrential while the squally riffs invade the senses and quite literally take them over while the presence of two equally engaging vocals that take turn to fulfil and reward is phenomenal.

This album does not send you on a downward spiral because you are already visiting the darkest recesses of the underworld and so it allows you the freedom to explore its magic of which you are indeed a part of.

10/10

Track List:
Burden of Ages
Born of Innocence
Day of Lies
Dead Memories
Everything is going cold
Farther Down
In the Bleeding
Not meant for me
Shadow Mass
Syncretism VI Black Salvation Bonus Track
The Soulforge
What will never be – Bonus Track
Without the Sun

Members:
Eric Horner – Guitar/Vocals
Jessica Horner – Guitar/Vocals





Pursuing the End - Symmetry of Scorn - 10 Track Album - Bakerteam Records/Scarlet Records - Released 9th September 2014

Pursuing the End
Symmetry of Scorn
10 Track Album
Bakerteam/Scarlet Records
Released 9th September 2014

Well thought out cover!

Written for Blackened Horde zine

Pursuing the End – Parma, Italy

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/pursuingtheend

Genre: Gothic/Symphonic Metal

Biography:
“Young and ambitious, Pursuing the End didn't aim to just survive in the crowded world of metal bands. Formed in 2010, the band from Parma, Italy, quickly got critics' attention with its first E.P ‘Dawn of Expiation’ (2011), whose songs ‘Followers Of The Wrong Way’ and the title track were included in compilations such as Kill City (USA) and Mondo Metal (ITA). Another E.P, ‘Withering’, followed shortly in 2012, proving the constant growth of a band that has always believed in the co-mixture of musical genres - as the members' musical background includes anything from extreme metal to electronic music, not to mention the influence of classical music - but also in the co-mixture of visual arts in general, as it can be seen in the amazing video for the song ‘Withering’, written and directed by Mike Lunacy (from acclaimed melodic death metal band Dark Lunacy), which embodies all the features that make Pursuing the End unique: elegance and aggressiveness, science and spirituality.

Pursuing the End

After a consistent and ever-growing live activity in the past two years the band is going to release its first full-length album ‘Symmetry of Scorn’ on Bakerteam Records. This new studio effort will reach a new level in Pursuing the End's music path: a heavy Melodic Metal core scenery will blend with elements from the world of Pop, Dance and the distinguishing features of the band's previous works as well as symphonic melodies!”

The Last Truth
This is a very edgy track with interesting sounds and superb vocals. It just suddenly explodes and carries you off on a bed of rip roaring rhythms. The symphonic bit sort of put me off when I read it, but this is diverse and not run of the mill stuff. It has its own take on things and unlike a lot of black metal bands has a lilting female voice that actually adds depth and intrigue to the track.

Video by Themalginaerium

Something Remains
Another rampaging track that seethes under its own weight – the harsh throaty raw growls blend superbly well with a harmonic glow of voices. The lingering tones of Chiara haunt and tease while the raucous riffs ring out to a tirade of damming beats and releases an irresistible drama.

Cage of Hypocrisy
A beauty and the beast track if ever I heard one.  Starting off elegant and turning into a wild brawl. Madness exuding from every corner, it has the blood racing and the body moving. A great weave of toxic and pure!

From the Ashes
The relentlessness erupts but with a certain elegance although it soon boils over and explodes with a feisty shading. The dark encounter flexes its muscles while the ambiance taunts. It is, musically a six pack! The wah-wah pedal making a welcome appearance, if only briefly.

In Vain
A shrill encounter with uplifting synth begins this track and climbs steadily towards its goal which when it hits again runs away with itself in a brawling fury. Giacomo and Chiara blend their voices to a strong landscape of twisting rhythms and finally the throaty growls make their appearance. An engaging track!

Merciful Vengeance
All-out frenzy time as the drums and guitars take control, creating a harsh unyielding rhythm that plunders and takes your soul with one swipe! Chiara tames the beast with her haunting words as the track evolves. – Superb!

Human Revulsion
The intimidation is never far away from Pursuing the End it hides in the shadows only to pounce and take you by surprise. The gripping excitement of edginess and intrigue follow them like a shadow in sunlight. The blistering riffs propel themselves vehemently combined with hearty slabs of rhythmic predation.

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“‘Classical meets metal’ a definite beauty and the beast! A very rewarding album!”
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Out of Control
Simply launching its fiery rhythms and torrent riffs, holding a superb melodic twisting and gnarly vocal, the emotions come to a head and demand attention. It is a challenging tempting track that delivers.

Symmetry of Scorn
The distant rumbles give out that feared anticipation and then explodes in a frenzy of urgent riffs and thumping beats. The growls penetrate fiercely while the eerie haunting voice cuts in at an angle and slows its temperance. It has a tendency to throw ice cold shards of glass down the backbone.

Changes
A beautiful track to finish on. The scenery is painted with a lavish run of keys and venomous rhythms that eagerly take control of the ears. The seduction of the track embraces and yet it is still a battering ram of senses with a lot going on to thoroughly tempt and excite.

Summary:
There is a lot to feast upon on this album. It engages continuously from start to finish and offers an amazing blend of voices. The musicianship is just excellent.  It fires up and explodes and yet it contains a balanced sound, never going totally overboard.

The memorisation is apparent from the way the sounds mold themselves around the ears and take you to another level.

This genre of music sometimes loses itself with too much symphonic melodiousness but Pursuing the End have struck a wonderful balance that will leave one wanting more as it comes to its energetic but poignant end.

The guitar riffs are edgy and engaging while the drumming is hearty pounding that grabs the ears and throttles them and not forgetting the brutal bass hooks that you can feel in the gut as the tracks play out. The mix of vocal flexibility from harsh gnawing growls to lilting beauty suits the music superbly and offers a welcome diversity.

‘Classical meets metal’ a definite beauty and the beast! A very rewarding album!

9½/10

Track List:
The Last Truth
Something Remains
Cage of Hypocrisy
From the Ashes
In Vain
Merciful Vengeance
Human Revulsion
Out of Control
Symmetry of Scorn
Changes

Members:
Giacomo Benamati - Vocals
Chiara Manese - Vocals
Davide Rinaldi – Guitars/Lead Guitars
Thomas Pipitone - Guitars
Luca Cocconi - Bass
Fabien Squarza - Drums



Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Helldorados - Lessons in Decay - 11 Track Album - Massacre Records - Released 4th November 2014

Helldorados
Lessons in Decay
11 Track Album
Massacre Records
Released 4th November 2014

Out now

Written for The Metal Gods Meltdown

Helldorados – Stuttgard, Germany

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/HelldoradosStuttgart/info

Genre: Rock 

Biography:
What do you know about Stuttgart, Germany?
Well, expensive cars, high class machinery, the famous and delicious Spätzle (a tasty kind of noodle) and mainstream German Hip Hop. That was yesterday. BANG!

Time Warp:

The musical apocalypse left the music industry across the globe in ruins. The Boogieman himself puked the four chosen ones back into the city ruins. The hit potential of a catchy ABBA tune runs through the sleazy Guns N' Roses ear canal and damages your brain with Pantera brutality - that's the Helldorados.

Helldorado

Seven Deadly Sins
With a ramshackle, rollicking let’s get this rock n roll rousing Hellraiser off the ground! Helldorado have landed bringing with them this blend of American style rock, the kind of rock that has you reaching for your Stetson and chewing on a blade of grass. Let the cattle rustling commence!

In for the Kill
Well this explores familiar territory! The feisty surge of electric guitar urgency and vibrant drum beats mold with a rip roaring, almost anthemic theme that delves into a pleasurable coaxing of rhythms, holding plenty of addictability.

By the Progress
More of an aggressive rhythm that bites off chunks of groove as it goes and not just for the chunky groove but also the lyrics: which mention the electric chair and dying! And with that ‘sparks’ a reaction, (pun intended!) 

The Devil takes the hind most
Stuck in a groove, it takes its time to manifest and kind of goes off the boil slightly for me, although the guitar solo is quite breath-taking and this is what redeems the track, giving that yeehaw moment!

Anytime Anywhere
Quite a middle of the road track that meanders to no real conclusion and a bit sluggish, although played and sung well, but like being on a bucking Bronco – and I need to get off!

Let us play
This however is a superb track that blisters vehemently and has great head banging qualities attached! The harmonies are rewarding and the beat uplifting! You could throw a lasso to this! It’s energetic and powerful and really perks the interest with a tongue in cheek ending – love it!

Megalomaniac
Heavily charged with a compelling, thumping drum beat and guitar that twists in such a way it burrows into the brain. The vocals sound sleazy but hard hitting as the end comes into sight.

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“To be fair though, it is what it is, but it does have its moments!”
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Wake up Dead
This is another one of those mediocre tracks that although sounds OK just doesn’t go all-out to draw you half way in. In fact it can be said it does not really offer anything, so quite an undemanding track.

To live is to Die
Again this doesn’t go all out to impress, although it has its livelier moments and a good chug attached to it, but after that it falls flat and rolls like a waggon on treacherous ground, shaking from side to side.

Something Sweet
This is a real fun track with a well-defined groove that holds plenty of sleaze and offers a bit of a rampage with comical lyrics that you can’t help but smile to. Definitely food for thought!

We won’t back down
With a tongue in cheek flavour yet again, it does hold a cheeky swagger of rhythm and quite a pleasant little track. Now it’s back to the chicken shack!

Summary:
An album that blows hot and cold! When it is good it is very, very good and when it’s not it tends to grate a little!

Maybe there are just far too many tracks on it to fully enjoy the essences even if a lot were tongue in cheek! Eight tracks would have done here I think, without the album blowing too cold.

To be fair though, it is what it is, and not really what I would have labelled ‘Hard Rock’ but it does have its moments!

It isn’t all serious or all tongue in cheek, it sort of meets three quarters to tongue in cheek and the rest is serious groove and rhythms, but it all tends to lie on stony ground.

6½/10

Track List:
Seven Deadly Sins
In for the Kill
By the Progress
The Devil takes the hind most
Anytime Anywhere
Let us play
Megalomaniac
Wake up Dead
To live is to Die
Something Sweet
We won’t back down

Members:
Pierre - Vocals
Chris - Drums
Steve - Guitar

Gunnar - Bass